Vehicle Camera Image Processor Using Concave Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems for vehicle-mounted cameras struggle to display images in a way that maintains central area information, leading to driver discomfort due to distortion and reduced information visibility, especially in rear view images.
Innovation Solution
An image processor that inputs images from a vehicle-mounted camera, applies mask processing using concave upper and lower masks to reduce distortion, and outputs the processed images to a display device, ensuring the central area information is preserved and easily viewable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If convex masks are used to create panoramic display effect, then the image can be displayed wider at edges, but the information in the central area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mask shape from convex to concave. Instead of masking the peripheral areas (convex masks), concave masks are used to mask the upper and lower portions while preserving the central area. This inversion allows the display to maintain panoramic width at edges while keeping the central region information intact, directly resolving the contradiction between display area and central information preservation.
2Area of stationary object
If wide angle camera is used to capture larger area, then more surrounding information is obtained, but image distortion increases causing driver discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using concave masks with specific geometric shapes that are tailored to different regions of the image. The masks are designed to compensate for distortion in specific areas (upper and lower portions) while leaving the central region relatively unaffected. This localized masking approach allows the system to maintain large captured area while reducing distortion in the critical central viewing region, thereby reducing driver discomfort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If masks are applied to reduce peripheral distortion, then driver comfort is improved, but the overall information coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the masking function into distinct upper and lower concave masks rather than using a single comprehensive mask. This segmentation allows the system to selectively mask only the portions of the image that suffer from severe distortion (upper and lower edges) while preserving information in the central and mid-region areas. The segmented approach optimizes the balance between reducing distortion and maintaining information coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processor outputs an image containing relatively much information of a central area in the horizontal direction. A mask composed of an upper mask and a lower mask is superimposed on the image. The upper mask is concave on the lower side thereof and disposed along the upper side of the image. The lower mask is concave on the upper side thereof and disposed along the lower side of the image. When the image is masked with this mask, the peripheral portion of the image that is prone to be distorted becomes invisible. Therefore, discomfort a user feels because of distortion can be reduced. In addition, the user can view the image with the much information of the central area of the image in the horizontal direction.